wicketkeeper

American

[wik-it-kee-per] / ˈwɪk ɪtˌki pər /

noun

Cricket.

the player on the fielding side who stands immediately behind the wicket to stop balls that pass it.

wicketkeeper British

/ ˈwɪkɪtˌkiːpə /

noun

cricket the player on the fielding side positioned directly behind the wicket

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of wicketkeeper

First recorded in 1740–50; wicket + keeper

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

wicketkeeper

The score was 205-4 at the time, the hosts' lead 34, with only wicketkeeper Jamie Smith to come before the bowlers.

From BBC ● Aug. 20, 2026

Cox simply followed one the left-armer got to turn and edged to the wicketkeeper.

From BBC ● Aug. 20, 2026

The wicketkeeper at the time, who I won't name, ran on the spot very loudly in a distracting fashion as the bowler was running in.

From BBC ● Jul. 29, 2026

Former Australia and Hong Kong wicketkeeper Campbell was appointed head coach of Durham before the 2023 season after almost six years in charge of the Netherlands.

From BBC ● Jul. 12, 2026

Nick is the wicketkeeper of the Beckley eleven; long-limbed, wiry, keen of eye.

From Evan Harrington — Complete by George Meredith

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023